72625 posts
Hi STAR and welcome to MySwissAlps!
To know which rail pass (if any) is the best for your specific itinerary, you need to plan out all trips you will make (train, bus, boat, cable car) and compare the prices for regular tickets to the rail pass price (including which routes/mountains are free or discounted). We have a spreadsheet and instructions here to help you do this: https://www.myswissalp s.com/train/ticketspas ses/practical/choosera ilpass
We here at MySwissAlps, and most members, always recommend traveling by train in Switzerland (part of the reason is as you note, some places must can only be reached by train or cable car anyway). Swiss trains also allow for easy travel (perhaps easier travel) than cars between cities as well and then you get to relax and enjoy the scenery.
I’d read through the following link before making the decision to rent car: https://www.myswissalp s.com/carversustrain
If you do get the rental car in the end, I’d probably look at the Swiss Half Fare Card to get 50% off on trips you do take by train, cable car, boat etc. https://www.myswissalp s.com/swisshalffarecar d or perhaps the Regional Pass – Bernese Oberland: https://www.myswissalp s.com/regionalpassbern eseoberland
72625 posts
Thank you Lucas for your valuable advice. i guess i am going to have the Swiss Half Fare card! as it give the flexibility to combine both , so is it possible to purchase it from Zurich airport ?
in regards to buses and boats trips were i can find the prices?
thank you
72625 posts
Hi STAR,
Yes, you can buy the Swiss Half Fare Card at the airport but I’d recommend buying it online. It can be emailed to you and printed at home (saving you time at the airport train station and giving you a copy to print out again in case you lose your pass). https://www.myswissalp s.com/swisshalffarecar d/price
The timetable will give you prices for any trip you search for on it: https://www.myswissalp s.com/timetable
For boat trips, you need to force the timetable to find boat options (it gives the quickest options only which is almost always a train.
Once you search for the route, click “change” then advanced search then de-select the types of transport you don’t want.
72625 posts
Generally speaking the half fare card is best for those also using a cars